Presentation Information

Synchrony in the NICU: Navigating the Benefits and Challenges of Early Vocal Contact Between Parents and Preterm Infants

• Speaker: Manuela Filippa , PhD
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits:

Abstract:

The primary objective of this presentation is to elucidate the manifold short- and long-term advantages arising from intensified vocal contact between parents and preterm newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Delving into the intricate realm of how an atypical auditory environment can exert profound influences on infant brain development, we will explore the potential mechanisms underlying early protective interventions. Specifically, we will examine the prospective role of the oxytocinergic system in conferring pain protection, the impact of heart rate variability on the maturation of the autonomic nervous system, and the critical concept of synchrony between parents and at-risk preterm newborns. This talk aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the transformative impact of enhanced vocal contact on the neonatal experience and the intricate mechanisms that underscore its potential benefits, along with addressing the challenges that need to be faced to implement this early family-based intervention in routine care.